Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company plant in Jubail. JEDDAH: Saudi Basic Industries Corporation announced Monday that its affiliate, Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company has shipped its first export production of acetone, a part of the phenolic chain used to make methyl methacrylate (MMA), polycarbonate (PC), solvents, adhesives and paints. The initial shipment of some 1,600 metric tons from the Port of Jubail sets a record also as the first shipment of acetone from the Middle East. SABIC noted that the shipment is bound for manufacturing customers in the Indian market, and that some of the acetone produced at the plant will be also used by other units at Saudi Kayan to produce high-value PC. SABIC's Performance Chemicals Strategic Business Unit (SBU) said the rated capacity of the acetone plant at Saudi Kayan is 140,000 metric tons per year. The giant new petrochemical complex in Jubail, will, when completed, have a combined capacity of more than 5.5 million metric tons per year of petrochemical products, some of which will feed further downstream business growth in Saudi Arabia. SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO Mohamed Al-Mady noted that the company is diversifying its product portfolio in pursuit of long-term profitable and sustainable growth. Al-Mady also said "the way we are introducing products will not only help SABIC, but also our customers sell products that are sustainable." He also noted that the Performance Chemicals SBU would be one of the main drivers of SABIC's diversification strategy as the company implements its 2020 vision of being the world's preferred leader in chemicals. SABIC owns 35 percent of Saudi Kayan,with 20 percent owned by Al-Kayan Petrochemical Company, and 45 percent by public shareholders.
